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PREPARE HOME TO LIMIT EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE
There are ways to make your home more secure before an earthquake occurs.
Some homes constructed before the 1940’s cannot withstand earthquake forces. In many cases, the building is not bolted to the foundation. It is a good idea to have these structures inspected. It is recommended that automatic shutoff valves be installed in homes that utilize gas utilities. Straps at the top and bottom can anchor hot water heaters into place. Straps can be installed to tie a chimney to the roof.
LARGE FURNITURE
It is advisable to bolt large furnishings to wall studs. Free standing bookcases and cabinets are examples of these items. The hardware and strapping required can be found at most hardware stores. This safety measure is good for homes where small children reside. These straps will prevent furniture from toppling onto little ones. Often, these straps will be included when you purchase new furniture.
DRAWERS & CUPBOARDS
Child safety latches can keep your drawers and cabinet doors closed in the event of a ground tremor. Electronics and computer equipment can be secured with straps.
SHELVES
To avoid objects falling onto sleeping persons, move bookshelves away from beds. Museum jell can be used to affix items securely to shelves and prevent breakage. Museums use this same product to protect fragile items from accidents. Elastic cords or a bit of raised molding can help keep books in place during smaller tremors.
OF COURSE
These measures are offered as guidelines. All liability is assumed by the person that utilizes these measures.
CYTOKINE STORM STRATEGIES
Your immune system is controlled by little messengers called cytokines that regulate the immune response. A Cytokine Storm occurs when the immune response is over stimulated by too many cytokines in response to a pathogen invader.
Cytokine Storms are very serious. Redness, inflammation, nausea, weakness and high fever are indications of a Cytokine Storm. Death can be caused by a Cytokine Storm that is located in the lungs because the resulting inflammation and mucus could block airways. The strong Cytokine Storm response in young people is thought to be the reason for the high death rate among that group during the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic.
DURING A CYTOKINE STORM AVOID IMMUNE BOOSTERS
It is not good to take immune boosters during a serious viral infection. At first there would be temporary relief after using these types of herbs (such as Pau d’arco, Echinacea, Elderberry, Aloe Vera and Oregano) but this would be followed by an increase in the severity of the symptoms. Some foods such as Chocolate, Kimchi, Chlorella Algae, Spirulina and Elderberry Juice (Sambucol) will also increase the production of cytokines and should be avoided during a Cytokine Storm. For less severe flu or colds, these foods are helpful, but they are best avoided when symptoms are severe.
UTILIZE ANTI-VIRALS TO FIGHT PATHOGENS
Viral infections can be fought using anti-viral (Antipathogenic) herbs. Several helpful anti-virals include Pine Needles, Mullein, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Ginger, Garlic, Eucalyptus (inhaled) and Apple Cider Vinegar.
IMMUNE RESPONSE BROUGHT INTO BALANCE WITH IMMUNOMODULATORS
Herbs and foods can also be immunomodulators. These aid the body in regulating the immune response. Olive Leaf Extract, Chamomile and Ginseng fall into this category.
WAYS TO TREAT SYMPTOMS
Anti-inflammatories help lessen the symptoms of excess mucus and inflammation that occur in some Cytokine Storms. A list of helpful anti-inflammatories includes: Yarrow, Red Clover, Pleurisy Root, Pine Needles, Plantain, Onions, Mustard, Mullein, Marshmallow, Ginger, Curcumin (from Turmeric), Apple Cider Vinegar and Eucalyptus (inhaled).
REMEDIES
Most herbs can be made into a pleasant tea to drink. Inhaling the steam of herbs and/or Apple Cider Vinegar simmering in water is another way to receive the beneficial properties of herbs. In a plaster, onions and mustard can yield their benefits. A well-made soup can deliver the benefits of onions. By smouldering the herbs as incense, their essential oils can be carried by the smoke into the air and inhaled into the lungs.
Staying hydrated with lots of water and rest will help in your recovery. If you believe it is a life-threatening situation, seek medical assistance.
This article is for information purposes; it is no substitute for medical care. All liability is assumed by the individual employing these methods. Said readers should exercise common sense, educate themselves on the procedures and risks and exercise common sense when applying methods described.
BESTOWING FROM YOUR BOUNTY
Over two decades ago, someone gave me a painted tile for use in my kitchen. Hot containers of food rest on this trivet which protects the counter from burns. Though it’s been glued back together, chipped and lost the bracket for hanging, the tile remains in a place of honor, surviving several moves.
The painted tile is decorated with the last two lines from the poem “The Art of Living.” After all these years, I these words are meaningful to me as I consider the blessing of being able to share with others. I used to dread occasions when I might have to give because I was so focused on what I DIDN’T have. This changed when I began to take an inventory of my resources.
24 HOURS IN A DAY
Time is limited for all of us, making it a precious gift. Great wealth is not necessary for you to let someone know they are special. One of my boys still remembers a week from his childhood that he fell asleep hearing my used sewing machine grinding. By the end of the week, he had his own super hero outfit and cape. This past November, I was cleaning out a closet when I discovered he had saved that old mask and a shirt I had made for him long ago.
TALENTS
Several weeks each year were used by my grandmother to crochet special gifts to give to family members at Christmas. She didn’t get overwhelmed, rushed or overspend, but rather made good use of the time and materials she had on hand.
USE YOUR IMAGINATION
It’s nearly impossible for me to be creative if I’m not first grateful for all that I have. When my attitude is right, I’m then able to consider the possibilities. Paint and other decorations can give used and free items a second life. Children would thrill to have a chair with their name on it or a customized bike. Once you’ve trained yourself to spot creative opportunities, you’ll just need a little planning. What are your talents? Could you combine several small items to make one? Do you know of off-season sale items that could be given later? Do you have surplus items that someone else might enjoy? Craft items, sewing supplies and old tools are often available for the asking.
SHARING YOUR DELIGHT
It wasn’t enough for me to just give to my children, but I also wanted them to know the thrill of giving. A craft project may be too complicated for them to do alone, but they can help label, package and distribute the gifts. Sometimes, we just make things before we’ve decided who the recipient will be. Part of the fun might be trying to guess who will get the homemade cookies we’ve just spent a couple of hours baking.
Part of the fun for our family is being able to surprise others with unexpected gifts; it’s a rewarding experience.
I’ve located the entire poem and included it below. I don’t have the name of the author.
THE ART OF LIVING
To touch the cup with eager lips and taste, not drain it;
To woo and tempt and count a bliss, and not attain it;
To fondle and caress a joy, yet hold it lightly;
To watch the sunset in the west without regretting;
To hail its advent in the east, the night forgetting;
To smother care in happiness, and grief in laughter;
To hold the present close, not questioning the hereafter;
To have enough to share, to know the joy of giving;
To thrill with all the sweets of life -- that's living.
DISHWASHER POWDER RECIPE
There’s more than one dishwasher soap recipe. Mine may not be the best recipe, but it works for me.
WON’T DISH SOAP WORK?
You don’t want a lot of suds in your dishwasher. Your floor would be filled with soapy suds if you were to place regular dish detergent into a dishwasher. The best dishwasher detergent will rinse completely clear after removing grease and bacteria from your dishes.
WHY NOT USE ESSENTIAL OILS?
I choose not to use essential oils in my dishwasher detergent. Essential oils lose their scent in very hot conditions. Quality essential oils are expensive, so I use them elsewhere. It is up to the individual whether or not to add a fragrance to the detergent.
HOMEMADE DISHWASHER DETERGENT
Mix in a bowl and blend 2 cups Baking Soda, 2 cups Borax, 1 cup Citric Acid and ½ cup Salt.
A quart zippered plastic freezer bag will just manage to contain this amount of powdered detergent. I enclose this smaller bag in a gallon sized bag. The reason for the double-bagging is to keep moisture out of your powder. The Baking Soda & Citric Acid in this mixture will clump up by soaking up any moisture in the air if not carefully sealed. I use approximately two tablespoons of this mixture per load using a dry kitchen spoon as a scoop. I don’t use any additional products to prevent spotting or streaking on my dishes.
This versatile powder can also be used to hand wash dishes. A bit of vinegar added to the rinse water in the sink will rid dishes of any oily residue.
ALWAYS HAVE A SOAPY SPONGE:
Next to my kitchen sink, I keep a bar soap dish resting on top of a clean sponge. The bottom of the soap dish has holes for drainage. As the bar soap dries, some soapy water drips onto the sponge. The sponge is already soapy when I need to spot clean a container.
This article is for the information of the reader. The reader assumes all risk and is encouraged to utilize these suggestions with discretion.
DO IT YOURSELF SPRAY CLEANERS AND SCOURING POWDER
Granny managed to clean her home without the benefit of strong smelling chemical cleaners. The various expensive chemical soups that are used to ‘clean’ surfaces can leave you wondering if it’s really worth the expense.
Thankfully, it isn’t very difficult to save your money and avoid the harsh chemicals while having a clean home. Several areas in our home can be cleaned with the following formulations.
SCRUBBING POWDER
Use this non-scratching cleaner by sprinkling it onto a moist sponge and rubbing a surface in a circular motion. Baking Soda alone works well, but I use the following formula for extra water-softening and germ-fighting: 2 parts Baking Soda, 1 part Borax and ½ part salt. This formula works well on some difficult stains. For storage and convenience, I keep mine in a shaker container with a tight-fitting lid.
VINEGAR SPRAY & RINSE
This liquid, used in combination with homemade scouring powder, will make a foamy cleaner. Pour together equal parts water and vinegar. For storage and ease of use, keep the solution in a spray bottle. If you’ve used the scouring powder on a surface, spray it with this solution, wipe with a damp sponge or cloth and rinse. This really shines ceramic surfaces. Vinegar is a good degreaser and discourages bacterial. This spray alone is useful for wiping down surfaces like tables, counters and glass. Used as a spray after showers and baths, your vinegar spray can help discourage the growth of mold.
DISINFECTANT & HARD SURFACE (GLASS, METAL ETC) CLEANER
Equal parts water and rubbing alcohol is a good solution for wiping down surfaces you want free of streaks and germs. For every 2 cups of the solution, add 3 tablespoons of vinegar. This dries quickly and doesn’t leave behind spots. This is good for use on light switch plates and knobs that see a lot of ‘hand traffic.’
MOLD AND SOAP SCUM TREATMENT
Soap scum and mold can be a problem in homes with hard water. Two parts water mixed with one part Hydrogen Peroxide is a good pre-treatment for these stains. Store in a spray bottle that you use to mist affected surfaces. Allow the solution to sit undisturbed for an hour and follow with scouring powder.
These ideas are presented only for your information. Using any of these suggestions must be done with good judgment at the risk of the reader.
